Cadillac now offers a wide range of all-electric models, including the Cadillac Escalade IQ SUV and the Cadillac Celestiq flagship sedan. Both of these vehicles share several interior design elements, such as a large, pillar-to-pillar infotainment screen on the dash, a secondary screen angled at 45 degrees on the center console, and a similar steering wheel design. However, the Cadillac Celestiq is significantly more expensive than the all-electric Escalade, starting at $340,000, compared to the Cadillac Escalade IQ’s starting price of around $130,000. This raises the question – is the Cadillac Celestiq interior worth the significantly higher price tag?
Cadillac Celestiq
Cadillac Escalade IQ
In a recent interview with GM Authority, Laetitia Lopez, Cadillac’s Colors, Materials, and Finishes Design Manager, highlighted key differences between the interiors of the two models, explaining why the Celestiq commands a higher price. According to Lopez, the Celestiq offers unparalleled customization options and uses superior materials compared to the Cadillac Escalade IQ.
“It’s really different, in the sense that you don’t have access to customization, you don’t have access to the same type of materials,” Lopez said, referring to the Escalade IQ. “On the Celestiq, you can wrap your floor in leather. [In the Escalade IQ], you still have carpets. So, there are many differences between the two. However, the message behind is the same. We are trying to elevate the brand to a standard of the world. That was the message we got from our leadership, starting with Celestiq.”
Cadillac Celestiq
Lopez further emphasized the brand’s commitment to luxury and authenticity. She explained that Cadillac aims to make clients feel at home with ample space, comfort, and advanced technology.
“And how can we get the best Escalade ever? So, it’s about our heritage, our brand message. We want to make sure that the clients feel like at home. They have the space, they have the comfort, they have the technology. And everything is about authenticity as well. If it looks like wood, it is wood. It’s always been like this at Cadillac, by the way. That’s the main difference between the two. The Celestiq is more about customization, personalization. You can get authentic metal. If it looks like metal, it is. In the Escalade IQ, you still have a blend of organic metal and compound. So, it’s not the same,” Lopez told GM Authority.
The Cadillac Celestiq, initially expected to launch for the 2024 model year, will now debut as a 2025 model. Each Celestiq is hand-built at the GM Global Technical Center in Michigan. Riding on the GM BEV3 platform, the Celestiq features GM Ultium batteries and a pair of GM Ultium Drive motors, sending the sedan from a standstill to 60 mph in less than four seconds.
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Comments
Interesting take as I always wondered why the celestiq costs more than Escalade with same interior. I’m still curious about the 2 cheaper ev sedans Cadillac supposedly is producing that slots under celestiq in terms of price and size ??
Just from the two photos presented, the interiors are not the same. The screens might be, but the rest of the design and interior materials appear to be vastly more expensive looking in the Celestiq.
I would also look up photos for the back seat of both the Escalade IQ and the Celestiq and you’ll see the true difference.
This article feels like rage bait.
What’s the residual on a 3 year lease? 10%. I wouldn’t touch one with someone else’s money.
I doubt anyone spending over $100K for a car thinks about residuals, They will most likely just get another one in 3 years.
The Celestiq is most likely a collector’s item or, a livery vehicle for the rich, a business write-off. Its most likely going to cost a lot more that $340K since its a commissioned item.
A Celestiq is easily going to be north of 500K all said and done. The 340K is just the base price for the Celestiq.
As amazing as it may seem to the naked eye, there’s still massive cost cutting in Escalade IQ’s interior and I’m still seriously amazed how Cadillac gets away with this. They talk about turning the brand around, history and stuff but always cr@p out on interior. The lower door bins on Escalade IQ are massive black plastics and visually bigger than you find on the Silverado work truck, remember we are talking about the $185k flagship Escalade IQ with Executive second row package. Plus it comes with pleather (plastic leather), the same we find in the $60k Lyriq. Doesnt’t even have the option of real one. The cost cutting is @bsurd.
On the other hand, the Celestiq is the all around serious effort. There are 10 leather options and unlimited colors, genuine high quality materials, 3D printed aluminum everywhere and any color you can possibly want. You can have all four seats in 4 different colors. Floor is even real leather. The customisation has no limits and I mesn it. Could’ve been the greatest modern interior if it wasn’t for screen-heavy choice they made but hey everybody has different tastes. It may look similar to the naked eye but Celestiq’s blows the IQs interior out of the water and it’s not actually a good thing considering the fact it’s ultra low volume vehicle.
There is a Leather option Same as the Lyriq, You can get True Leather in Lux 3 or Sport 3 Lyriqs. Also the faux leather is much better today than it years past, there is no comparison.
The Celestiq should provide an unequaled ride and drive experience.
Has Cadillac sold any of these overpriced hearse mobiles?
Yes, Cigna, they have sold many. The wealthy don’t have to promote what they buy. If that bothers you it is because you can never afford it. That is your envy!
First of all, if you gave this ugly hearse mobile for free, I would sell it as fast as I could. I would prefer the Cadillac Sixteen, the CT6 with the Blackwing V8 that Mary Buick Envision Made in China-Barra pulled the plug on, the CT5 V-Series or the CT5 Blackwing that Mary Buick Envision Made in China-Barra will eventually pull the plug on them. Just admit it, the Rolls Royce Spectre will outsell this ugly vehicle many times over and put this super ugly vehicle to shame in more ways than one. The wealthy always promote their expensive vehicles, I have a feeling that GM is having many productions delays on this vehicle (which is ok with me) and wants to keep it a secret.
And why would you call them “over prices” as compared to Bentley or Rolls Royce?
Who wants leather on the floor? I’ve never seen a leather floor anywhere. I have furniture with German aniline leather and I’m sure the hides are as high-end as anything Cadillac will use in Celestiq and I never let my shoes touch it. I certainly wouldn’t walk on it. I have to condition it twice a year to maintain it. I don’t see fine leather as a suitable material for the floor of a car. Maybe they’re using some cheapo bonded leather. I guess you can do anything with that.
The point is it’s an option for the Celestiq. It doesn’t mean it’s wise option to get.
The roof area surrounding the Smart glass will get a choice of leather too for customization.
Hello Rocket
And how do you propose that a person, seated in a Celestiq, would “walk” on a Leather floor?
The CELESTIQ’s interior will look far more special than anything else. So the Escalade IQ’s interior can’t compare.
Interesting how the woman in the picture is focused on the info dial in the console, and her other hand is not even on the steering wheel. Car manufacturers seem to have their driving priorities mixed up.